Weekend off-street parking is free

MACKAY Regional Council has reminded residents that all parking at weekends is free.

The Daily Mercury lodged a request with the council after it was reported the meter man had been spotted handing out tickets on Saturday, at the same time the council was holding it's Brunch in the City Heart event.

However development services director Kevin Jefferies said it was free to park in all of the council's off-street parking areas at weekends.

"Additionally, on-street parking is free every day of the week," he said.

The council issued more than $200,000 worth of parking fines last financial year, he said.

"Timed parking in the city is essential to ensure turnover of potential customers, increase access to businesses and services in the area and also to enhance traffic flow," Mr Jefferies said.

He reminded residents it was illegal and "morally unacceptable" to park in disabled parking spaces and loading bays and doing so would land offenders a fine of up to $165.

"It's simple - do the right thing and avoid being penalised," Mr Jefferies said.